A new wireless industry report says the United States risks falling behind other countries in making the electromagnetic radio spectrum available for 5G services and the many applications that depend on them.
The report, released Feb. 7 by mobile industry group CTIA and consulting firm Accenture, says the failure to free up prime wireless service spectrum and “harmonize” it with other countries’ spectrum usage plans could cost billions of dollars. This means leaving more money on the table. .
According to the report, “spectrum harmonization could deliver economic benefits of $200 billion over 10 years.” “These benefits will primarily be felt by consumers and businesses in the form of cheaper devices and connectivity, improved services, and innovative new technologies and use cases.”
The United States uses spectrum bands such as 3 GHz, 4 GHz, and parts of the 7 GHz to 8 GHz band for advanced wireless applications, recommended by CTIA and Accenture.
The United States can ensure interoperability of wireless equipment by “coordinating spectrum regulations and commercial allocations with other countries,” but failure to do so “could increase the cost of acquiring new technologies for U.S. end users.” . Country-specific standards require more customization,” the report said.
CTIA SVP Umair Javed told Tech Brew that the U.S. is now at a critical juncture where it must decide whether to follow other countries’ blueprints, and the 5G spectrum that was previously key to 4G’s global success. He said it must decide whether to follow other countries’ blueprints on how to use the belt. One immediate need is to increase licensed spectrum in the mid-band, including the 3GHz to 8GHz band, which is ideal for transmitting 5G signals at high speeds and over long distances, he said. .
“There is some kind of imbalance in the U.S. spectrum policy today, especially in the critical mid-band spectrum,” Javed said. “Much of it is held by the federal government…and even more of that spectrum is allocated for unlicensed shared use in the midband.”
Keeping up with innovative technology that transforms business
Tech Brew keeps business leaders up-to-date on the latest innovations, automation advances, policy changes, and more so they can make informed decisions about technology.
A potential step in the right direction is the White House’s recent “blueprint” that lays out a pipeline for making new spectrum available to the private sector, the report said. Javed said the White House’s plan identifies the 3GHz band and parts of the 7GHz band as prime candidates for exclusive commercial use, which would allow companies to avoid interference from other users and slow traffic. People will be able to obtain licenses and build networks without fear.
“This is very consistent with what’s happening in other parts of the world,” Javed said.
World leaders are eyeing the next World Radiocommunication Conference in 2027, which is held every four years, to address emerging technology issues, including the release of the 6 GHz band for licensed 5G use. Many people are paying attention to the frequency band that includes some of them. This goes against the US decision to dedicate this band to Wi-Fi 6. Wi-Fi 6 is an unlicensed spectrum application that does not require exclusive access privileges, which are typically awarded in spectrum auctions. This could put the United States in conflict with other countries such as China, which have designated large portions of the spectrum for licensed 5G, the report said.
But Javed said the U.S. could correct course by commercializing complementary 7GHz and 8GHz bands.
“This puts us within the same adjustment range, which means we can continue to benefit from economies of scale. We can continue to participate in these equipment markets. “It’s an opportunity to lead the development of an exciting new band,” he said.
